We have seen that the result of the observations, to which
the foregoing number has been principally devoted, is that
from the natural operation of the different interests and
views of the various classes of the community, whether the
representation of the people be more or less numerous, it
will consist almost entirely of proprietors of land, of merchants
and members of the learned professions, who will
truly represent all those different interests and views. If it
should be objected that we have seen other descriptions of
men in the local Legislatures; I answer, that it is admitted
there are exceptions to the rule, but not in sufficient number
to influence the general complexion or character of
the government. There are strong minds in every walk of
life that will rise superior to the disadvantages of situation,
and will command the tribute due to their merit, not only
from the classes to which they particularly belong, but
from the society in general. The door ought to be equally
open to all; and I trust, for the credit of human nature,
that we shall see examples of such vigorous plants flourishing
in the soil of Foederal, as well as of State Legislation;
but occasional instances of this sort, will not render the
reasoning founded upon the general course of things less
conclusive.

The subject might be placed in several other lights that
would lead all to the same result; and in particular it might
be asked, what greater affinity or relation of interest can
be conceived between the carpenter and blacksmith, and
the linen manufacturer or stocking weaver, than between
the merchant and either of them? It is notorious, that
there are often as great rivalships between different
branches of the mechanic or manufacturing arts, as there
are between any of the departments of labor and industry;
so that unless the representative body were to be far more
numerous than would be consistent with any idea of regularity
or wisdom in its deliberations, it is impossible that
what seems to be the spirit of the objection we have been
considering, should ever be realised in practice. But I forbear
to dwell any longer on a matter, which has hitherto
worn too loose a garb to admit even of an accurate inspection
of its real shape or tendency.

There is another objection of a somewhat more precise
nature that claims our attention. It has been asserted that
a power of internal taxation in the national Legislature
could never be exercised with advantage, as well from the
want of a sufficient knowledge of local circumstances as
from an interference between the revenue laws of the
Union and of the particular States. The supposition of a
want of proper knowledge, seems to be entirely destitute
of foundation. If any question is depending in a State Legislature
respecting one of the counties which demands a
knowledge of local details, how is it acquired? No doubt
from the information of the members of the county. Cannot
the like knowledge be obtained in the national Legislature
from the representatives of each State. And is it not
to be presumed that the men who will generally be sent
there, will be possessed of the necessary degree of intelligence,
to be able to communicate that information? Is the
knowledge of local circumstances, as applied to taxation, a
minute topographical acquaintance with all the mountains,
rivers, streams, high-ways and bye-paths in each State, or
is it a general acquaintance with its situation and resources--with
the state of its agriculture, commerce, manufactures--with
the nature of its products and consumptions--with
the different degrees and kinds of its wealth,
property and industry?